writing workshop module 1

Workshop Overview

  • Discussion about the course and Writing Sample Project Assignment
    • Writing Sample Project Assignment due in April
    • Open for viewing, but not for submission until the end of the semester
  • Weekly Objectives
    • Weekly objectives will be outlined on the platform each week
    • Weekly PowerPoint presentations and outlines will accompany objectives
    • Availability of a video discussing ASHA documentation
  • Weekly Assignments
    • Assignments will be uploaded to a Dropbox each week
    • Assignments are for participation points (5 points each)
    • Total of 10 assignments throughout the course (50 points total)
    • Due by midnight on Saturdays
    • In-class participation is required before beginning assignments

Class Structure

  • Course will revolve around professional writing skills related to clinical documentation
  • Topics include:
    • Daily notes
    • Evaluations
    • Referral letters
  • Focus on expectations of writing in a professional context (clinics, schools, hospitals, etc.)
    • Ethical practice, patient care, billing, professional communication
    • Understand objective writing style adhering to professional standards

Purpose and Goals of the Course

  • Prepare students to write clearly, professionally, and ethically
  • Topics covered:
    • Diagnostic reports
    • SOAP notes
    • Treatment plans
    • Referrals
  • Format of the course: Live classes and asynchronous recorded lectures

Course Objectives

  • Objective 1: Application of professional standards in clinical documentation
  • Objective 2: Gathering and synthesizing case history and interview information
    • Importance of describing patients' backgrounds and communication performance
    • Discussion of contextual and environmental factors
  • Objective 3: Assessment interpretation
    • Use standardized and non-standardized evaluations to write clear summaries
  • Objective 4: Goal Writing
    • Developing functional and measurable goals (long-term and short-term)
    • Use of SMART format in goals
    • Integration of goals within a comprehensive plan of care
  • Objective 5: SOAP Notes
    • How to write relevant and accurate SOAP notes for documenting client progress
  • Objective 6: Professional Correspondence
    • Communicate clinical findings and recommendations to allied health professionals
  • Objective 7: Comprehensive Plan of Care
    • Integrate all assessment data into one document
    • Content includes identifying information, assessment results, diagnostic impressions, goals, and recommendations
  • Objective 8: Resumes and Presentations
    • Final class project on creating and presenting a PowerPoint discussing effective communication strategies

Course Structure by Module

  • Module 1 and 2: Foundation/Case Histories
  • Module 3 and 5: Diagnostic Report Writing and Midterm
  • Module 6 and 7: SMART Goals and Plans of Care
  • Module 8 through 10: SOAP Notes, Correspondence, Resumes, and Presentations

Grading Breakdown

  • Writing Sample Project (40 points)
  • Midterm Exam (20 points, open book/note)
  • Two Quizzes (10 points each, open book/note)
  • Participation Activities (10 total for 50 points)
    • 80% minimum to pass the workshop
  • Attendance via active participation is required; cameras on preferred

Ethical Considerations

  • Importance of professional demeanor in communication
  • Ethical and legal accountability in documentation
    • Accurate records to justify medical necessity and insurance claims
    • Compliance with codes of ethics (e.g., ASHA) and HIPAA regulations
  • Documentation reflects the clinician's professionalism and builds trust with clients and families

Characteristics of Professional Writing

  • Objective writing based on observable behaviors and measurable data
  • Use of clinical tone: professional, respectful, neutral
  • Importance of accuracy in documentation: no judgments or personal feelings/extensions
  • Clarity and conciseness in writing: avoid vague language
  • Functional relevance: link documentation to real-world outcomes and the client's life

Strong and Weak Documentation Examples

  • Importance of writing without judgment:
    • Weak Example: "The client was lazy and didn't want to participate."
    • Strong Example: "The client refused to participate in structured tasks after two verbal prompts and one visual model."
  • Importance of clear and specific phrasing when documenting:
    • Weak Example: "Client did pretty well on the test."
    • Strong Example: "Client correctly identified 18 out of 25 items on the receptive vocabulary subtest, placing performance in the low average range."
  • Examples illustrate need for precise and professional language to avoid bias and promote clarity in clinical documentation.

Class Activity

  • Students to practice rewriting weak examples of documentation into stronger, more professional statements.
  • Active participation required to develop clinical writing skills further.

Summary and Next Steps

  • Review syllabus for weekly topics, expectations, and any emergency protocols for attendance.
  • Complete participation assignments on Dropbox before tonight's deadline to ensure attendance and participation points.
  • Engage with the material and feedback to improve writing skills throughout the course.
  • Next week's topic will build upon the foundation introduced this week.

Final Remarks

  • Encouragement to participate and improve professional writing skills in a supportive environment.
  • Reminder of the importance of formal documentation in clinical practice.
  • Offer for students to reach out if they have additional questions or concerns regarding the course or assignments.